Pakistani court reissues non-bailable arrest warrants for rights lawyer Mazari, husband
Judge Majoka said the defense asked to withdraw the bail cancellation, but the court could not reverse the order
Aamir Abbasi
Editor, Islamabad
Aamir; a journalist with 15 years of experience, working in Newspaper, TV and Digital Media. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2009 with Pakistan’s Top Media Organizations. Graduate of Quaid I Azam University Islamabad.
A court in Pakistan’s capital on Saturday reissued non-bailable arrest warrants for lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali, while adjourning the hearing in a case linked to controversial tweets until Jan. 19.
The District and Sessions Court Islamabad, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, heard updates on the case, which was filed over social media posts authorities described as contentious.
During the proceedings, the court was told that both the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and police had submitted reports on efforts to execute the warrants. The reports stated that authorities were unable to arrest the couple despite attempts.
Judge Majoka said the defense had orally requested the withdrawal of the order cancelling the accused’s bail, but added that the court could not revoke the bail cancellation once the order had been issued.
He also said the matter would be revisited if the Islamabad High Court grants any relief or issues a relevant order by Monday.
The case originates from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged against Mazari and Ali over tweets deemed controversial by officials. The court had previously cancelled their bail due to their non-appearance, leading to the issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants.
The hearing has been adjourned until Jan. 19 for further proceedings.
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